General dentistry
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The dental profession is devoted to treating and preventing dental pain. Such pain can be referred from teeth in one jaw to teeth in the opposing jaw, and the origin of the pain a patient describes may not be the same as the source of that pain. As a result, dental procedures often produce no relief for the patient. This article discusses the neural mechanisms involved in referred pain from one tooth to another and from muscles to teeth.
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Anticipated demographic changes in the U. S. during the next 20 years will bring increasing numbers of geriatric patients into dental practices. ⋯ Dental practitioners must stay informed concerning newly marketed drugs and those commonly prescribed to geriatric patients, and the potential dental implications of those drugs. Specialized training in geriatric dentistry, continuing education, and consultation with medical and pharmacy practitioners can provide valuable tools for managing this special patient population.